Discover Andrea 1 & 2: A Half‑Mile Shore Dive to Seahorses and Rainbow Parrotfish
If you’re dreaming of an easy, life‑filled shore entry on Bonaire, Andrea 1 & 2 deliver. These twin sites sit about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) north of the destination plant and offer gentle depths of roughly 6–30 m (20–100 ft), making them perfect for relaxed exploration. Snorkelers and divers come for seahorses, carpets of anemones and soft corals, and the unmistakable flash of blue, midnight, and rainbow parrotfish in the shallows.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly where Andrea 1 & 2 are, what marine life to look for, how to access the sites from shore, and the essentials you need to know about the Bonaire National Marine Park and the Nature Tag.
Why Andrea 1 & 2 belong on your list
- Effortless access: Clearly marked shore sites with convenient entry points.
- Beginner‑friendly: Ideal for new divers and snorkelers thanks to manageable depth and calm profiles.
- Charismatic marine life: Frequent sightings of seahorses, anemones, soft corals, and large parrotfish in the shallow zone.
- Classic Bonaire: Part of a destination famed for more than 85 dive sites and reefs teeming with life.
Where are Andrea 1 & 2, and how do I find them?
Andrea 1 & 2 are located about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) north of the destination plant on Bonaire’s leeward coast.
- Look for the yellow roadside stones along the shore road—each stone is painted with the site name and indicates a convenient place to enter the water.
- Both sites are part of the Bonaire National Marine Park, which surrounds Bonaire and Klein Bonaire from the high‑tide mark to 60 m (about 200 ft).
Quick facts
- Location: ~0.8 km (0.5 mi) north of the destination plant
- Depth: ~6–30 m (20–100 ft)
- Suitable for: Shore diving, snorkeling; beginner‑friendly
- Highlights: Seahorses, anemones, soft corals, blue/midnight/rainbow parrotfish (especially in the shallows)
What you’ll see underwater at Andrea 1 & 2
In the shallows
Stay attentive as soon as you enter—the shallow zone at Andrea 1 & 2 is lively. You can encounter large blue, midnight, and rainbow parrotfish grazing across coral heads and rubble patches. Their bright colors and beak‑like mouths make them easy to identify.
Across 6–30 m (20–100 ft)
As you meander seaward, the seabed transitions into gardens of anemones and soft corals swaying in the current. These structures provide habitat for small reef fish and invertebrates and create excellent opportunities for macro photography and careful observation.
Seahorses and subtle treasures
Divers and snorkelers regularly report seahorse sightings here. Move slowly, maintain buoyancy, and scan gorgonians and soft corals for the tell‑tale curled tail and camouflaged silhouette. Give wildlife space and avoid touching or chasing any animals.
Who should visit Andrea 1 & 2?
Andrea 1 & 2 are ideal for beginning divers and snorkelers who want an unhurried shore experience with vibrant marine life. Intermediate and advanced divers will appreciate the broad habitat range within a single, easy dive and the photographic potential in the shallows.
Planning essentials: Marine Park, Nature Tag, and responsible visiting
Bonaire’s waters are protected within the Bonaire National Marine Park, established in 1979 and managed by STINAPA Bonaire. The Marine Park encompasses approximately 27 sq km (about 6,700 acres) of sea, wetlands, and mangroves and includes 86 marked dive sites accessible to visitors.
- Bonaire Nature Tag: The Nature Tag costs USD $40 per person per calendar year and helps fund reef preservation and environmental programs. A valid Nature Tag grants access to every dive site within the Marine Park. Before you dive, remember to get your tag.
- Responsible practices: Follow the island’s conservation ethos—do not feed, touch, or harass wildlife; admire animals like seahorses from a respectful distance. Watch for yellow rocks marking protected areas, and avoid standing on or contacting corals.
- Safety infrastructure: Bonaire maintains a Recompression Chamber should a diving emergency occur.
Shore snorkeling at Andrea 1 & 2
Bonaire’s reefs sit close to shore, so you don’t need to commit to scuba to experience Andrea 1 & 2. In just a few meters of water, snorkelers can spot turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses.
Snorkel tips for this site
- Enter and exit where the yellow stone marks the site name and convenient access.
- Move slowly and keep your fins up to avoid stirring sediment or brushing coral.
- Give large parrotfish and other wildlife room to feed and move naturally.
- Pack water and reef‑safe sun protection; Bonaire’s tap water is safe to drink, so refill a reusable bottle.
How Andrea 1 & 2 fit into your Bonaire dive itinerary
Bonaire offers more than 85 dive sites with thriving reefs, excellent visibility, and minimal currents. Build a varied itinerary and combine Andrea 1 & 2 with other beloved sites around the island:
- Bari Reef – Ranked #1 in the Caribbean for fish diversity with over 300 species sighted and surveyed.
- Karpata – Celebrated shore dive with panoramic reef views and clear visibility.
- Salt Pier – A favorite for photographers; pillars encrusted with sponges and corals shelter schooling fish.
- 1000 Steps – A dramatic shore site reached by a long limestone staircase; popular with divers and snorkelers.
- Te Amo (beach) – A beautiful white‑sand public beach with easy entry and plane‑spotting views.
- Sorobon Beach – Calm, shallow waters ideal for families and beginners.
Use the site’s interactive map to find Andrea 1 & 2 and other points of interest, and favorite locations to create a shareable itinerary.
FAQs (fast answers for planners)
Where are Andrea 1 & 2 located?
Andrea 1 & 2 lie about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) north of Bonaire’s destination plant on the island’s leeward coast.
How deep are the sites?
Expect depths of roughly 6–30 m (20–100 ft).
Are Andrea 1 & 2 good for beginners?
Yes. They are ideal for beginning divers and snorkelers.
What marine life can I expect?
Look for seahorses, anemones, soft corals, and large blue, midnight, and rainbow parrotfish—especially in the shallow zone.
Is snorkeling good here?
Yes. Bonaire’s reefs are close to shore; snorkelers often see turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses in just a few meters of water.
Do I need a Nature Tag?
Yes. The Bonaire Nature Tag costs USD $40 per person per calendar year and is required for water activities. It grants access to all Marine Park dive sites.
How many dive sites are on Bonaire?
Bonaire lists more than 85 dive sites, and the Marine Park provides 86 marked dive sites around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.
When is the best time to visit?
Bonaire offers favorable weather, reliable diving conditions, and engaging events year‑round—there’s no single “best” season.
Do I need to pay the tourist entry tax?
Yes. Visitors pay a USD $75 tourist entry tax per visit. You can pay online at https://tourismtax.bonairegov.com; online advance payment accepts credit cards and iDEAL. It can also be paid at the airport upon arrival.
Practical takeaways and tips
- Mark your entry: Use the yellow roadside stones to find the named entry point for Andrea 1 & 2.
- Get your Nature Tag: Purchase the USD $40 per‑year tag before entering the water.
- Dive gently: Maintain good buoyancy, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and avoid contacting corals.
- Hydrate smartly: Tap water is safe to drink—bring a reusable bottle and refill.
- Plan with the map: Build a trip plan by favoriting Andrea 1 & 2 and nearby beaches and dive sites.
- Consider a guide: Local dive and snorkel operators can enhance your visit with site briefings and wildlife ID.
Conclusion: Put Andrea 1 & 2 at the top of your shore‑dive list
For a relaxed, rewarding shore dive or snorkel with real chances of seahorses and rainbow parrotfish, Andrea 1 & 2 are hard to beat. Their half‑mile‑from‑the‑destination‑plant location, beginner‑friendly depth, and lively shallows showcase what makes Bonaire special.
Ready to go? View Andrea 1 & 2 on our interactive map, add them to your Favorites to build your itinerary, and secure your Bonaire Nature Tag before you hit the water.